LIV Golf DENIES claim CEO Greg Norman could be replaced

A LIV Golf representative has hit back at claims that chief Greg Norman could be reassigned, calling the report “blatantly untrue.”

A report came out Thursday that the Saudi-backed series has been in talks with former TaylorMade chief Mark King about taking Norman’s place as CEO.

But the tour director has poured cold water on the claim and denies it The Telegraph report.

“Greg Norman is our CEO and Supervisory Director. Any suggestion that changes are being made to Greg’s title or role is manifestly false,” said Majed Al-Sorour. Illustrated Sports.

King is said to have attended several events on the LIV circuit during the first season, and has now met with Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), which is funding the series, according to the report.

LIV Golf has hit back at claim that Chef Greg Norman (left) could get a new role

LIV’s general manager Majed Al-Sorour (right) labels the report as ‘blatantly false’

Sales during his time at Taylor Made, which supplies equipment for the world’s No. 1 Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods, soared from $300 million to a staggering $2 billion.

King, who has experience in collegiate golf and a scratch handicap, also held a North American presidential position at sportswear brand Adidas and is currently CEO of fast food giant Taco Bell.

Norman has been a figurehead of the controversial LIV Golf series since its inception.

His close ties to the likes of British Open champion Cam Smith, former world No. 1 Dustin Johnson and Ryder Cup hero Sergio Garcia, have brought big names to the leading group with lucrative deals.

Former TaylorMade chief Mark King (center), who served as president of sportswear brand Adidas in North America, has been linked with the role of Norman. Pictured alongside LIV rebels Dustin Johnson (L) and Sergio Garcia (R) ahead of the 2012 Olympics

The former two-time Major winner even recently suggested that seven more PGA Tour players could defect from the world’s top 20 to the Saudi-backed rebel series next year, with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay being linked with switching from the traditional circuit.

The first LIV Golf season ended last month when Johnson led an all-American team to championship win in the finals at Trump National in Miami.

The breakaway series has put the sport of golf in the spotlight since its introduction.

The event is supported by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF). It has led to players being criticized for participating in it for its poor human rights record, while opponents have also labeled the competition a “sports wash.”

The first LIV Golf season ended last month as Dustin Johnson led a team to victory

Norman’s stewardship has also helped LIV Golf break the status quo and challenge the PGA Tour.

He was criticized for brushing off Saudi Arabia’s appalling human rights record, claiming ‘we all make mistakes’.

Norman claims that the players of LIV feel liberated by breaking away from the PGA Tour.

He said: ‘Frankly, the players on the outside looking in to see what’s happening with LIV today, these guys are still talking to each other, right?

“Those on LIV feel like they’ve been liberated. There are players on the PGA Tour we’re talking to today who want to be liberated.

“The percentage of players likely to come back – quick math – 85 to 90 percent of the players, I’d say.”

Next year, the LIV Golf League kicks off with a $405 million offering in prize money and the potential for promotions and relegations.